Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA): Primary US federal law governing the rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international shipping. Applies to all bills of lading for cargo shipped to/from US ports in foreign trade.

Harter Act: US federal law that governs domestic shipments and the period before loading and after discharge for international shipments, when COGSA doesn't apply.

Federal Bills of Lading Act (Pomerene Act): Regulates bills of lading issued in the United States for both domestic and international shipments, establishing rules for negotiability and liability.

Ocean Shipping Reform Act: Modernizes the shipping industry by strengthening FMC's authority to regulate ocean carriers, addressing supply chain disruptions and unfair practices.

Shipping Act of 1984: Establishes requirements for ocean common carriers, including regulatory framework for shipping practices and competition.

Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade, setting minimum standards for carrier liability.

Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules with modified liability limits and expanded scope, though not ratified by US but influential in international trade.

Hamburg Rules: Alternative international convention for carriage of goods by sea, providing different liability standards (not ratified by US but relevant for international trade).

19 CFR - Customs Duties: US Code of Federal Regulations title governing customs requirements, including documentation and procedures for imported goods.

Trade Security Requirements: Customs and Border Protection regulations for cargo security, including advance notification and screening requirements.

Automated Manifest System (AMS): Electronic system requirements for submitting cargo manifests to US Customs before vessel arrival.

UCP 600: Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, governing the operation of letters of credit in international trade.

Incoterms: International commercial terms defining responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, including shipping obligations.

State Commercial Codes: Individual state laws governing commercial transactions, including provisions affecting bills of lading within state jurisdictions.

Federal Maritime Commission Regulations: Rules and regulations issued by FMC governing ocean transportation intermediaries and carrier practices in US trade.